Rating: 
Summary: Simply Stunning
Review: I was spellbound by the beauty of prose Mr. Enger displays. The book flows dreamlike until its emotion stirring end. I would absolutely recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: Mystical, Poetic, and Wondrous!
Review: While some have disparaged "Peace Like A River" for being unbelievable and tedious, I celebrate those very things--especially in a world where magic and miraculous happenings have been replaced by technology and television. Leif Enger begins his fabulous novel by asking us to see the world through the eyes of his young narrator, Rueben Land, a child who is a miracle embodied. He was stillborn, and brought to life by the words of his miracle-performing father. From that moment on, Rueben's world has been filled with miracles--some of which only his eyes can see. When his mentor and older brother, Davy, kills two men set on doing harm to the family, and then "miraculously" escapes jail, the Lands take off after him, pursued by an FBI agent bent on bringing Davy to justice. The journey, and the wondrous things that happen along the way are the elements that make this an excellent novel. Deep and symbolic (notice the family's name (Land, or earth); the blizzards that prevent passage (water and wind); and the places where the earth is rent in two by lignite (fire)), "Peace Like A River" shines in every way. Forget the naysayers...this book is magic.
Rating:
Summary: Mystical, Hypnotic and Brimming with Humanity
Review: My bias: my favorite book of the last decade was The Bean Trees, accessible, full of love and humanity and people who look out for and forgive each other in a way that makes me feel that I could be cradled in the bosom of loving family and friends even when my circumstances indicated otherwise. Oh, and funny. With a plot that, while not outrageous or even dominant, demanded I turn the page. Every page. It didn't surprise me that Kingsolver went on to win a Pulitzer. It's only 2003, but it won't surprise me if this becomes my favorite of this decade for all the same reasons. A bunch of literary sources named it best book of the year. How bad could it be? I've laughed out loud and teared up a lot reading this book... and I'm a guy; it's embarassing to read it in public. If you appreciate great writing, don't pass this one up.
Rating:
Summary: More, please.
Review: I was hooked from page one and found it difficult to put down Mr. Enger's first work. Never have I wanted to read so fast AND so slow. Please grace us with more of your brilliance!
Rating:
Summary: A Book That Packs A Wallop.
Review: It is hard to believe that PEACE LIKE A RIVER is a debut novel. Leif Enger is an excellent writer who spins a suspenseful yarn about a small family trying to cope heroically with a monstrous tragedy. He also gives us a fascinating tale about miracles and the afterlife. The book is filled with penetrating insights - the kind of knowledge one acquires from being a keen observer of human nature and maybe even growing up on a farm. I don't remember ever reading another ending which packs more of a wallop than the last chapter in this magnificent gem.
Rating:
Summary: Gets better the more you read....
Review: I really enjoyed the characters effortlessness of pure faith, an undying passion to believe, all wonderfully wrapped up in an exciting and beautifully written ending. It's not so common these days to read about trusting your heart, regardless of your religious convictions. Faith is not always a popular anecdote in our society. Enger really created loveable characters, ones that effect you with their strength. How wonderful that faith could create a less mournful ending, rather one of hope and promise. Definitely worth the trip to the bookstore.
Rating: 
Summary: A unique new voice tells an original tale
Review: Part family saga, part fable, this was the story of the Land family's cross-country odyssey. Father Jeremiah, 11-year old asthmatic Rueben and his younger, child-prodigy sister Swede set out across the harsh winter landscape of the American west to find Davy, the eldest brother, who is on the lamb after breaking out of jail for shooting and killing two local reprobates when they break into the Land home. Enger has a beautiful and unique way of telling this story, even if the story itself is rather implausible in some ways. But remember, it IS fiction, so he can make Jeremiah Land a miracle worker if he wants. Swede, too, is a bit on the unbelievable side with her stunning vocabulary, impeccable memory and rapacious interest in the Wild West. I did find Rueben to be a very convincing character, and Davy too, although we never really get to know too much about Davy (what with him being a fugitive). Jeremiah may seem too much of a Christ-like figure to be believed, too, but he was a strong character nonetheless, and I wanted to believe that he was capable of performing miracles, as we all would probably like to believe that miracles can indeed happen during the course of our mundane lives. There was only fleeting mention made of the children's mother, and I thought this was somewhat problematic-Rueben never really mentions her nor do the children seem to make an issue out of not having a mother. However, when Roxanna (a mother figure herself), comes into their lives, they do accept her willingly and eagerly. Overall, I found this to be an inspiring, spiritual tale that made me wish miracles were more prevalent in this ordinary world or that I knew someone like Jeremiah land who could make them happen.
Rating:
Summary: engrossing
Review: I read constantly, and this is the best book I've read in a long time. Good fiction is hard to find these days. I don't know what category this falls into, but I found the writing poetic and lyrical. The characters were endearing and believable. The ending was a bit of a surprise, but it was not hard to live with. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: a classic
Review: This book reminds of the poetic novel To Kill a Mockingbird and like that book it will stay with you long after you have finished the book. I can't wait to tell friends how wonderful it is. Not only is Reuben a wonderful character, his sister gives Scout a run for her money with her wit and charm. Absolutely wonderful!!
Rating:
Summary: 10 out of 10
Review: I loved this book! The only thing I would change would be to make it longer! :)
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